Two huge towers are to be built in Vauxhall fuelling fears that skyscrapers are swamping the area.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has approved the £400 million scheme for 41- and 31-storey buildings, the latest in a series of high rises set to transform the skyline near the Thames in Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea.

Residents say the character of the local area is being overwhelmed by the rise of a “mini Manhattan”.

Jane Vuglar, chairwoman of Viva Vauxhall residents’ association, speaking in a personal capacity, said: “This is appalling. Planning permission was granted by Mr Pickles, a Yorkshireman, despite mammoth local grass-roots opposition from individuals and organisations, such as Friends of Vauxhall Park.

“We — and the park —are facing the imposition of yet more vast tower blocks that will blot out more of the sky and the river. They will blight the lives of ordinary inhabitants, who do not own castles in the sky, and who would have loved a little pollution-free open space.”

Planning permission was granted last week for a new skyscraper on the site of nearby Eastbury House, while in June a raft of skyscraper schemes got the green light, all in addition to the US embassy and Battersea Power Station developments.

The latest scheme, by architect Michael Squire, features 291 apartments and 58 affordable units alongside a hotel and offices. Its approval follows seven years of wrangling, with rival architect Sir Terry Farrell telling a public inquiry in March that the scheme would isolate the public on a “traffic island”.

The original plan by landowner Wendover Investments was for two towers of 46 and 23 storeys, but in 2010 the scheme was revised to 41 and 31 storeys.

Mr Squire said: “We are delighted the plans for the Vauxhall Cross Island site have been granted consent. The scheme will transform and reinvigorate the area, opening up the confusing transport interchange and providing an important connection between the historic centre of Vauxhall, the river and the emerging Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area.

“New retail, offices and public spaces will improve the ground-floor environment and bring life to this previously derelict site.” Steve Reed, Lambeth council leader, said: “We are determined to work together to ensure the future regeneration of Vauxhall.

“There may have been different views in the past about the best way forward. Going forward we will be working together to realise and unlock this important site’s enormous potential for Vauxhall.”